If you’re a backpacker keen to experience Berlin’s culture, history, and hidden gems, then there’s no better way to do it than taking a free walking tour. This is the budget friendly option to uncover the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, understand the complicated history, and stroll around with the knowledge local guides. In this Berlin walking tours’ guide, we’ll show you the benefits of doing free walking tours and how to get the most out of your visit.
1. Immerse Yourself in Berlin’s Vibrant Neighborhoods
The Berlin is a city with neighborhoods, and each neighborhood has its own flavor. However, with a free walking tour, you can go through different neighbourhoods for example: Mitte, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg and discover their secrets. You’ll see just about everything in Berlin from historic landmarks to trendy street art.
2. Learn About Berlin’s Rich History
The city of Berlin is the complicated result of history. Sometimes free walking tours are about the history of Berlin and include stopoffs at the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and Berlin Wall. There will be stories and insights from knowledgeable guides, deeper insight of the history of the city.
2.1 The Berlin Wall
A visit to Berlin isn’t complete without seeing the ruins of the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery is free to walk around and it’s where you can view the enormous colorful murals created by artists from all over the world. It’s a glorious thing to stand in front of this historic symbol of division.
3. Get Insider Tips and Recommendations
This is because local guides are often passionate Berliners that know the city inside out. They can not only help you with things like where you should drink and eat, but also steer you in the direction of where you shouldn’t eat. The guides’ insider tips are whether you’re after the tastiest currywurst, the coolest underground bars or the hottest new bars – you won’t be left wanting more.
4. Budget-Friendly Option for Backpackers
One of the best things about free walking tours is that they are within a backpacker’s budget. It’s technically free, but you may get into the habit of tipping the guides at the end, depending on your satisfaction. This ‘pay what you want’ model allows you to decide how much the tour is worth, while controlling spend on travel.
4.1 Tips for Tipping
Tips for your guide really depend on what your budget is and how good the tour was. The amount of tip is the typical between 10 and 20 euros for a person, based on your satisfaction. There you do not want to forget the cash tip either as most tours prefer cash tips.
5. Book Your Free Walking Tour in Advance
To get on your free walking tour of choice it’s recommended you book ahead. Peak travel seasons fill up many popular tours very fast. If you’re booking online, most tour companies have online booking systems so it’s a relatively easy thing to secure your spot before arriving in Berlin.
6. Dress Comfortably and Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you are to explore Berlin on foot the dressing and shoes are important to be comfortable. Because of Berlin’s unpredictable weather, it’s a good idea to bring an umbrella and dress in layers. Also, if walking long distances bothers you, make sure your shoes are fine for it.
7. Be Respectful and Follow the Guide’s Instructions
Respectful and listen to your guide when you are on tour is really important. Some sites have special rules or limitations so be aware of the local customs and rules. You represent the backpacker community, and respect goes a long way to representing both in a positive image.
Conclusion
If you are backpacking in Berlin and want to get lost in the heart of the city without spending money, then free walking tour is an excellent option to explore. To properly immerse yourself in its vibrant neighborhoods, unravel its complex history, or simply peruse these tours are an inexpensive way to take in the best of Berlin. The tips in this guide will prepare you to make the most out of your free walking tour in this beautiful city and make these lasting memories.
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